Shrewsbury Town look set to begin Wembley week with a virtual clean bill of health.

With the exception of long-term knee victim Mike Jackson, Town are hoping to have all of their players fit to continue preparations on Monday for the play-off final with Gillingham.

All the minor knocks and strains from the epic play-off victory with Bury have now cleared, including the chest problem which forced Grant Holt off at Gigg Lane.

Chris Humphrey, the only notable absentee from training at the end of this week other than Jackson, is progressing well from a hamstring problem and is expected to resume training on Monday.

“We had four who didn’t train on Tuesday who were back involved on Thursday so we are starting to get them all back out there,” said manager Paul Simpson.

“Chris has been doing some work with Nathan (Ring, Town physio) and hopefully by Monday, we should have everyone available bar Mike Jackson.”

Simpson, meanwhile, insists he has no concerns about the Wembley pitch – despite the playing surface coming in for criticism from Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson after last month’s FA Cup semi-final weekend.

“There are no issues whatsoever,” he added.

“I’m quite sure it will be one of the best pitches we have played on this season.

“When you are going to Wembley the pitch isn’t something we are going to worry about.

“They have had it re-laid for the FA Trophy final last week. It’s going to cut up but you get that.”

Simpson finalised his off-field planning for the big day with a trip to the mystery Hertfordshire base where his team will finalise preparations next week.

“I had a drive down to the hotel yesterday just to make sure the pitch we are going to train on is okay,” he added.

“It’s a fantastic place that we are going to do our last bits of preparation. There is a real buzz about the place.”

By James Garrison